Johnson returns from injury with three-catch night

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, August 30, 2008

Wide receivers Bryant Johnsonand Ashley Lelieboth returned from injuries, and while Johnson caught three passes for 41 yards, Lelie was shut out. Johnson had a 23-yard catch from Alex Smith on the 49ers' first play from scrimmage.

The 49ers have to move 22 players from their 75-man roster today to make the 53-man deadline, so the game was the last stand for many of them. One move probably was made for the club when reserve linebacker Jay Mooresustained a torn right biceps in the third quarter.

Running back Michael Robinsonalso returned from the injury list. He ripped off a 17-yard gain in the fourth quarter but lost a fumble soon thereafter.

Walker's big play:Delanie Walker, a speedy tight end who has returned kickoffs on occasion during his two 49ers seasons, bolted 101 yards for a touchdown. He said he had three for touchdowns at Central Missouri. "They were scared to kick me the ball at Central," he said.

Chargers kicker Nate Kaedinggave a very tepid effort to stop him. "He wasn't really coming at me like he wanted to tackle me," Walker said. "I was going to give him a move, but once I saw him slow up I just kept running, just turned on the burners."

Nolan "gambles": You could tell it wasn't a real game when the normally conservative Mike Nolanhad the 49ers go for it on a 4th-and-5 at the Chargers' 6 early in the second quarter. Smith tried unsuccessfully to hit Lelie in the corner of the end zone despite double coverage.

Sick call: Safety Keith Lewis, who had a tough time in Chicago last week with a missed tackle on a kickoff return and a missed block that resulted in a blocked punt, didn't play after being sick all week. Rookie wide receiver Josh Morganwas out sick as well. David Baas, seeing his first action of the preseason after recovering from pectoral tendon surgery, started at left guard for Adam Snyder(ankle). Offensive tackle Barry Simsstarted in place of Jonas Jennings(hand).

Briefly: No. 3 quarterback Shaun Hillthrew two interceptions to Chargers safety Tra Battle in the second half. ... Ex-49ers linebacker Derek Smithstarted for the Chargers in place of Stephen Cooper, who was suspended for the first four games for testing positive for a banned substance. Another ex-49er, Jeremy Newberry, started in place of Pro Bowl centerNick Hardwick, who is recovering from foot surgery.